Fall drives in the Smokies are one of the best ways to take in the season’s beauty. The crisp mountain air and colorful leaves make even a simple drive feel special. It’s also the perfect time to pair your scenic route with one of the area’s many fall festivals or to explore more things to do in the Smokies with the whole family. Whether you’re chasing mountain views or planning a fun day out, a fall drive is an easy way to experience the magic of autumn in the Smokies.
Cades Cove Loop Road
It can be argued that Cades Cove is one of people’s favorite areas in the national park, and for good reason. The 11 mile, one-way loop road will carry you through forests, old homesteads and settlement churches. Because the road is open sunrise to sunset year-round, try going later in the afternoon to see all this beauty just as the sun begins sinking towards the horizon.
Cades Cove
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
This nearly 5.5 mile long road is home to one of the largest and swiftest mountain streams in the park. Between the old forests and water features, there is much to see on this drive. In the fall, the colors of the trees will take your breath away so much that you might have to drive around a few times just to process the sheer beauty of it all.
Roaring ForkNote: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is one of the park roads that is closed seasonally – usually in late November. For the most up to date road closure information, call (865) 436-1200 and check Smokies Road Info on Twitter. Buses, motorhomes, vans longer than 25 feet, and passenger vehicles towing trailers are prohibited on this road.
Foothills Parkway
Located near the Smoky Mountains, Foothills Parkway will take drivers to a lower altitude, so they can appreciate the view from a different perspective. You will see the vast number of autumn trees that blanket the mountains in a rainbow of oranges, reds and yellows, as they cascade over you. And this particular parkway allows for RV’s and trailers too, so you can drive through, no matter what kind of vehicle you drive.
Foothills Parkway
Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) is a 33-mile stretch connects Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC, winding through the heart of the Smokies. In fall, the drive is breathtaking – with colorful overlooks, crisp mountain air, and elevations that let you see the leaves change from valley floor to mountain peak.
Newfound Gap Road
Cataloochee Valley
Nestled in a valley of the Smoky Mountains is Cataloochee Valley. Driving through this area, you will be surrounded by peaks that reach over 6,000 feet. Several old structures are planted in this valley, including a school, churches and houses. It’s a great place to see some beautiful fall colors and learn a little bit about American history.
Little River Gorge Road + Fighting Creek Gap
The drive from Sugarlands Visitor Center to the Townsend Wye along Little River Gorge Road and Fighting Creek Gap is especially beautiful in the fall. The road winds beside the Little River, with colorful hardwoods arching overhead and plenty of pull offs where you can stop to enjoy the scenery. It’s a peaceful stretch that showcases the fall foliage and the natural beauty of the Smokies.
If you want to see these amazing sights, pack up the kids and the car, and take your family on a drive that doesn’t involve sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Take a lunch, crank some tunes, and enjoy the view. Book a Pigeon Forge cabin for the weekend, and spend some quality time with your family in the Smoky Mountains.
